Threaded Joints for Electric Submersible Pumping Systems

ABSTRACT

A system and methodology facilitate connection between components of an electric submersible pumping system. The technique utilizes at least one connector designed to connect a first component to a second component of an electric submersible pumping system. The connector is designed as a flangeless connector which secures engagement of the two components without relative rotation between the first component and the second component. Additional flangeless connectors may be positioned between other pairs of components to provide the enhanced connection throughout the electric submersible pumping system.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present document is based on and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.: 61/662,350, filed Jun. 20, 2012, incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

An electric submersible pumping system is used to pump fluids, e.g. hydrocarbon-based fluids, from wells. The electric submersible pumping system comprises a plurality of components, such as submersible motors, submersible pumps, motor protectors, gas separator devices, gauges, various transition components, and other components. The components are assembled together during installation in a well, and the components are joined by corresponding flanges held together by a plurality of bolts. Joining components with the multiple bolts involves substantial time and the flange type connector often consumes substantial radial space, thus reducing the space available for functional features of the pumping system. The reduced diameter of the neck proximate each flange also can create a weaker area that allows bending and thus higher bearing loading.

SUMMARY

In general, the present disclosure provides a system and methodology that facilitate connection between components of an electric submersible pumping system. The technique utilizes at least one connector designed to connect a first component to a second component of an electric submersible pumping system. The connector is designed as a flangeless connector which secures engagement of the two components without relative rotation between the first component and the second component. Additional flangeless connectors may be positioned between other pairs of components to provide the enhanced connection throughout the electric submersible pumping system.

However, many modifications are possible without materially departing from the teachings of this disclosure. Accordingly, such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Certain embodiments of the disclosure will hereafter be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements. It should be understood, however, that the accompanying figures illustrate the various implementations described herein and are not meant to limit the scope of various technologies described herein, and:

FIG. 1 is a front view of an example of an electric submersible pumping system having pumping system components coupled together by connectors, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of an example of a connector which may be employed to couple components of an electric submersible pumping system, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of another example of a connector which may be employed to couple components of an electric submersible pumping system, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of an example of a connector positioned between components of an electric submersible pumping system, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of another example of a connector which may be employed to couple components of an electric submersible pumping system, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of another example of a connector which may be employed to couple components of an electric submersible pumping system, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of another example of a connector which may be employed to couple components of an electric submersible pumping system, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of another example of a connector which may be employed to couple components of an electric submersible pumping system, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a view similar to that of FIG. 8 but showing the submersible pumping system components engaged and coupled together by the connector, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of another example of a connector which may be employed to couple components of an electric submersible pumping system, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of another example of a connector which may be employed to couple components of an electric submersible pumping system, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of another example of a connector which may be employed to couple components of an electric submersible pumping system, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; and

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an example of an interference gland for a connector which may be employed to couple components of an electric submersible pumping system, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous details are set forth to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the system and/or methodology may be practiced without these details and that numerous variations or modifications from the described embodiments may be possible.

The present disclosure generally relates to a system and methodology for connecting components of an electric submersible pumping system. For example, one or more connectors may be employed to couple sequential components of the pumping system, such as the submersible motor, motor protector, and submersible pump. The connector is a flangeless connector which secures engagement of adjacent pumping system components without relative rotation between the pumping system components. In other words, the adjacent pumping system components are not threaded together by rotating one of the components relative to the other. The connector is designed to function without using bolted flanges.

As described in greater detail below, an embodiment of the connector may comprise a threaded coupler, such as a threaded collar or ring, rotatably trapped on the head or base of one component. When two of the system components are joined, the threaded coupler, e.g. threaded collar, is rotated and threaded onto the base or head of the adjacent, mating component. A threaded ring variation inverts the threads but the threaded ring is similarly rotated into threaded engagement with the mating component.

In certain embodiments, a shoulder ring is used to facilitate assembly of a threaded collar or ring onto an end, e.g. head or base, of an electric submersible pumping system component. The shoulder ring creates a shoulder on the head or base after the threaded collar is installed. In this example, the shoulder is of a larger diameter than would otherwise allow the threaded collar or ring to be assembled were the shoulder integral with the head or base. Each connector may comprise a variety of other components or features, such as various attachment mechanisms, anti-rotation mechanisms, seals, seal types, and seal locations.

By way of example, the shoulder ring and the threaded collar may be assembled from the joint end of the head or base instead of the housing end (although other embodiments are assembled from the housing end). Consequently, the shoulder for retaining the threaded collar can be much more robust while allowing the balance of the head or base to be a variety of sizes or shapes. The shoulder ring can be secured to the head or base by threads, welding, or other suitable fasteners. The shoulder ring also may be split into pieces, e.g. halves, which are joined in a groove by a retainer, such as a retaining ring. To prevent spinning and unscrewing, factory joints can be locked welded or otherwise secured and field joints can utilize pins, lugs, castellations, or other suitable anti-rotation mechanisms.

Referring generally to FIG. 1, an embodiment of an electric submersible pumping system having pumping system components coupled by connectors is illustrated. The electric submersible pumping system may be employed in a wellbore and utilized for pumping fluids, such as hydrocarbon-based production fluids. Depending on the application, the electric submersible pumping system may comprise a variety of components in several different types of arrangements. For example, the pumping system may comprise a submersible motor, a motor protector, a submersible pump, gauge sections, connector sections, sensors, gas separators, and/or other components in various numbers and arrangements.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, a pumping system 30, such as an electric submersible pumping system, is illustrated as deployed in a wellbore 31. By way of example, electric submersible pumping system 30 may comprise a plurality of pumping system components 32, such as a submersible motor 34, a motor protector 36, and a submersible pump 38 which draws well fluid in through a pump intake 40. The electric submersible pumping system 30 may be deployed down into wellbore 31 by a conveyance 42, such as production tubing, coiled tubing, wireline, or another suitable conveyance. The conveyance 42 may be connected to pumping system 30 by a connector sub 44. Additionally, power may be supplied to submersible motor 34 by a power cable 46.

By way of example, at least two adjacent pumping system components 32 are engaged and coupled to each other by a connector 48. In the specific embodiment illustrated, connectors 48 are disposed between several pumping system components 32, e.g. between submersible motor 34 and motor protector 36; between motor protector 36 and submersible pump 38; and between pump 38 and connector sub 44. The connectors 48 are designed to enable engagement and coupling of adjacent pumping system components 32 without relative rotation of those pumping system components 32 and without the use of bolted flanges. In other words, the connectors 48 are flangeless connectors.

The pumping system 30 may be deployed in a variety of wellbores, such as vertical wellbores (as illustrated) or deviated wellbores, e.g. horizontal wellbores. Generally the wellbore 31 is drilled into a geological formation 50. In some applications, wellbore 31 is lined with a casing 52 deployed along the rock borehole wall 54. However, the electric submersible pumping system 30 may be utilized in a variety of other types of wellbores, including open wellbores, and also in caverns, tanks, collection features, and other spaces from which fluid is pumped and/or into which fluid is injected.

Referring generally to FIG. 2, an embodiment of connector 48 is illustrated. In this embodiment, connector 48 is used to couple a first pumping system component 32 to a second, adjacent pumping system component 32. As illustrated, a coupler 56, e.g. a threaded collar, is slid over an outboard end 58 of the first component 32 at, for example, a base 60 of the component 32. In this example, coupler 56 is a threaded coupler and has an opening 62 sized for receiving end 58 therethrough.

Once threaded coupler 56 is slid over end 58, the threaded coupler 56 is secured in place by a shoulder ring 64. Shoulder ring 64 may be separately assembled onto end 58 after positioning of the coupler 56 over end 58. Shoulder ring 64 also may comprise a variety of attachment mechanisms 66 by which the shoulder ring 64 engages end 58. By way of example, shoulder ring 64 may comprise attachment mechanism 66 in the form of a threaded region positioned to engage a corresponding threaded region 68 located on end 58. However, attachment mechanism 66 also may comprise a metal melting attachment member/technique, e.g. welding or soldering, for attaching shoulder ring 64 to component 32. Additionally, the attachment mechanism 66 may comprise a separate threaded fastener or fasteners, e.g. screws. The attachment mechanism 66 also may comprise a retainer ring or an interference fit designed to affix the shoulder ring 64 to end 58 in a manner which secures coupler 56. In some applications, the shoulder ring 64 also may be secured against release by an additional fastening mechanism, such as a lock weld 70, used in combination with one or more of the other attachment mechanisms 66.

The shoulder ring 64 presents an abutment surface or shoulder 72 which engages a corresponding abutment surface or shoulder 74 of threaded coupler 56. The shoulder ring 64 secures the threaded coupler 56 while allowing the threaded coupler 56 to be rotated for engagement with the second component 32. In the embodiment illustrated, the second component 32 comprises a threaded region 76 which is engaged by a corresponding threaded region 78 of threaded coupler 56. In this example, threaded coupler 56 is a threaded collar having threaded region 78 positioned internally for engagement with externally oriented threaded region 76 of the second component 32. The threaded region 76 may be located along the exterior of a head 79, of the second component 32, which engages the base 60 of the adjacent, first component 32. It should be noted that the coupler 56 and shoulder ring 64 may be mounted on either of the base 60 or head 79 depending on the specifics of a given application.

After the adjacent pumping system components 32 are moved axially into engagement with each other, the threaded coupler 56 is simply rotated about end 58 to threadably engage threaded region 76 and corresponding threaded region 78. As a result, the adjacent components 32 may be securely coupled together without relative rotation and without utilizing bolted, flange type connectors. After threaded regions 76, 78 are securely engaged, the threaded coupler 56 may be locked against further rotation by a suitable locking mechanism 80, such as a setscrew. The connector 48 also comprises a seal 82, such as a spring-loaded seal, positioned between adjacent pumping system components 32.

Depending on the application and the design of components 32, the connector 48 may comprise or work in cooperation with a variety of other features. For example, alignment features 84 may be used to ensure a desired alignment of head 79 with base 60 of the adjacent pumping system components 32 as the components 32 are moved axially into engagement with each other. In the example illustrated, alignment features 84 comprise at least one pin 86 extending from one component 32 and received in a corresponding slot 88 of the adjacent component 32. Other features may comprise a ring 90, such as a metal E-ring, positioned circumferentially around end 58 between base 60 and head 79. A test port 92 also may be positioned as illustrated or in other suitable locations. Additionally, a retraction groove 94 may be located to facilitate temporary retraction of threaded coupler 56 along end 58.

Referring generally to FIG. 3, a similar but somewhat simpler embodiment is illustrated. In this embodiment, the coupler 56 is again threaded and in the form of a threaded collar rotatably secured over end 58 by shoulder ring 64. The threaded coupler 56 is rotatably mounted on the head 79 or base 60 of one submersible pumping system component 32 and design for threaded engagement with a corresponding base or head of the adjacent pumping system component 32. Again, seal 82 is an annular seal positioned between the first and second pumping system components 32. As with the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the threaded coupler 56 has an expanded portion 93 which engages shoulder ring 64 and another portion 95 that extends over the shoulder ring 64. Shoulder ring 64 may again be secured to end 58 by a variety of suitable attachment mechanism 66.

In FIG. 4, a specific example of pumping system components 32 engaged and coupled to each other by connector 48 is illustrated. In this example, pumping system components 32 comprise a motor head section 96 coupled to a stator section 98 by connector 48. Connector 48 utilizes threaded coupler 56 to engage a stator adapter 100. In this example, power cable 46 is connected through the motor head section 96 by a suitable pothead 102.

Referring generally to FIG. 5, another embodiment of connector 48 is illustrated. In this embodiment, the threaded coupler 56 is assembled over the housing end of the base 60 (or head 79) of the pumping system component 32. For example, the threaded coupler 56 may comprise a threaded collar that is slid over the housing end of the base 60 of component 32 until butting against a shoulder 104 that is integral with the base 60. In this example, the base 60 (or head 79) is formed as an independent component which may be coupled to a housing portion 106 of pumping system component 32. In the illustrated example, the shoulder ring 64 is then assembled over the housing end of base 60 to form a shoulder 108 against which housing portion 106 abuts. A seal 110 may be positioned between base 60 (or head 79) and the corresponding housing portion 106.

The shoulder ring 64 may again comprise threaded region 66 for engagement with corresponding threaded region 68. As illustrated, threaded region 68 is extended and positioned for engagement with housing portion 106. In other words, the shoulder ring 64 shares the same thread 68 as housing portion 106. The shoulder ring 64 also may be welded to base 60 alone or in combination with the threaded engagement. However, other types of suitable fastening mechanisms may be used to secure shoulder ring 64. To connect the first component 32 with the second component 32, the threaded collar 56 is again rotated to threadably engage the second component 32 via threaded regions 76 and 78.

Referring generally to FIG. 6, another embodiment of connector 48 is illustrated. In this embodiment, shoulder ring 64 may be in the form of a split shoulder ring 112 sized to fit in a recess or groove 114 formed in the end 58 of the base 60 or head 79 of component 32. By way of example, the illustrated split shoulder ring 112 may be in a variety of forms depending on the specifics of a given application. For example, the illustrated split shoulder ring 112 may comprise a multi-piece split shoulder ring. In other applications, the split shoulder ring 112 comprises an expandable C-ring type split shoulder ring. However, in some embodiments the shoulder ring 64 may be a continuous, swaged shoulder ring.

If a split shoulder ring 112 (or other type of shoulder ring 64) is employed, the shoulder ring may be positioned to engage shoulder 72 via its corresponding shoulder 74. Coupler 56, e.g. a threaded collar, is slid over shoulder 72 and into engagement with, for example, split shoulder ring 112. The coupler 56 may be attached to the split shoulder ring 112 (or other shoulder ring 64) by a suitable fastener 115. Examples of suitable attachment methods include threaded engagement, metal melting techniques, e.g. welding or soldering, a threaded fastener or fasteners, e.g. screws, a retainer ring, an interference fit, or other suitable attachment members and/or techniques (e.g. see the illustrated threaded region and weldment combination). The threaded coupler 56 also may be attached to shoulder ring 64 by a variety of combinations of fasteners 115.

Another embodiment of connector 48 is illustrated in FIG. 7. The embodiment of FIG. 7 is similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, however the shoulder ring 64 has a different configuration. In this embodiment, shoulder ring 64 comprises threaded region 66 internally oriented for engagement with corresponding threaded region 68 of the base 60 (or head 79) of one of the adjacent pumping system components 32. However, shoulder ring 64 also has an external, threaded region 116 oriented for engagement with a corresponding threaded region 118 of housing portion 106. A radially extended portion of shoulder ring 66 forms a shoulder 120 which abuts against an end of housing portion 106. Seal 110 is disposed between shoulder ring 64 and the internally located and independent portion forming base 60 (or head 79). In the illustrated example, the portion to which shoulder ring 64 is mounted has been labeled base 60, but the shoulder ring 64 also could be mounted on head 79. An additional seal 122 is disposed between shoulder ring 64 and housing portion 106. The threaded coupler 56 is similarly rotatably mounted for engagement with the corresponding, second pumping system component 32, as described above with respect to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5.

Referring generally to FIGS. 8 and 9, another embodiment of connector 48 is illustrated. In this embodiment, threaded coupler 56 is assembled onto the base 60 or head 79 from the housing side rather than from the joint side of the pumping system component 32. Consequently, the base 60 (or head 79) over which the threaded coupler 56 is assembled has a reduced outside diameter 124 so the threaded coupler 56 can be passed over it from the housing end of the independent section forming base 60 (or head 79). The threaded coupler 56 is slid from a recessed position prior to engagement of adjacent components 32 (see FIG. 8) to an engaged position as illustrated in FIG. 9. The reduced diameter base 60 (or head 79) may be secured to an external housing 126 of the component 32 by a suitable fastener 128, e.g. screws or rings, as illustrated best in FIG. 9.

Following engagement of the adjacent components 32, the threaded coupler 56 is slid into engagement with threaded region 76 and the threaded coupler 56 is rotated until threaded region 78 fully engages the corresponding threaded region 76. The threaded coupler 56 may then be rotationally and axially locked in place along the reduced outside diameter section 124 via a suitable fastener 130, e.g. set screws. It should be noted that in some applications, coupler 56 may be designed without threaded region 78 and the coupler 56 may be secured to the adjacent components 32 by other suitable types of fasteners, such as set screws or other locking mechanisms.

Depending on the application, the embodiment of connector 48 illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 may have a variety of other features to facilitate formation of the connection. For example, the fasteners 130, e.g. set screws, may be replaced or combined with other types of mechanisms. As illustrated in FIG. 10, a variation on this hanger style approach is to incorporate a specially designed offset shoulder ring 64 having an offset region forming a shoulder 132 oriented to engage a corresponding shoulder 134 of the threaded coupler 56. In this latter example, offset shoulder ring 64 comprises threaded region 66 oriented to engage threaded region 68 disposed along an interior of the reduced diameter section 124 of base 60 or head 79. The shoulder ring 64 also may operate in cooperation with a pair of seals 136 positioned to provide a fluid tight seal between the adjacent pumping system components 32.

Referring generally to FIG. 11, another embodiment of connector 48 is illustrated. In this embodiment, shoulders or faces are used on both adjacent components 32 to enable preloading in compression. In some applications, an abutment shoulder 137 may be positioned to enable preloading between the base 60 and head 79. In the illustrated example, shoulder ring 64 comprises another type of split shoulder ring 138 which is retained in a recessed area or groove 140 along base 60 (or head 79) via a retainer ring 142. In this example, the groove 140 is positioned in one of the base 60 or head 79; and the threaded coupler 56 is in the form of a threaded ring having its attachment mechanism 66, e.g. threaded region 66, externally oriented to engage an internally threaded region 68 on the other of the base 60 or head 79. For example, attachment mechanism 66 may comprise external threads oriented to threadably engage internal threads of internally threaded region 68.

In this embodiment, if groove 140 is located in the base 60, then the coupler 56 is designed to threadably engage internally threaded region 68 of head 79. As illustrated, the portion of coupler 56 comprising threaded region 66 is positioned between portions of the base 60 and corresponding head 79 of adjacent pumping system components 32. Axially, the coupler 56 is trapped between an abutment surface 144 on split shoulder ring 138 and an abutment surface 146 of the same base 60 or head 79 containing groove 140 (see FIG. 11). It should be noted that either or both the shoulder ring 64 and coupler 56 may be split to facilitate assembly. Additionally, the shoulder ring may be attached to the corresponding base 60 or head 79 by attachment mechanisms other than retainer ring 142. For example, the shoulder ring may be assembled to the base 60 or head 79 by threaded engagement, a metal melting technique, e.g. welding or soldering, a threaded fastener or fasteners, e.g. screws, an interference fit, and/or other suitable attachment mechanisms and techniques.

Another embodiment of connector 48 is illustrated in FIG. 12. In this example, the coupler 56 also may be in the form of a split threaded ring 148 trapped in a groove in the base 60 or head 79. For example, the split threaded ring 148 may be fitted into a T-groove 150 and held in place by a retainer ring 152 or another suitable fastening mechanism, as discussed in the previous paragraph. The split threaded ring 148 may comprise attachment mechanism 66 in the form of a threaded region designed for engagement with corresponding threaded region 68 located along an inwardly oriented surface of the base 60 (or head 79) engaged with the corresponding head 79 (or base 60) of the adjacent pumping system component 32. As illustrated, the split threaded ring 148 is trapped between abutment surfaces 154 and 156 of the pumping system component 32 which does not carry threaded region 68. An additional seal 158 may be positioned along the split threaded ring 148, as illustrated, or in another suitable location.

Another aspect of the embodiments described herein is that upon coupling components 32 of electric submersible pumping system 30, an improved seal between joints is created. Each connector 48 may be designed to help remove the gap that would otherwise be created between flanges and through which a seal would otherwise tend to extrude under high pressure. A variety of features and variations in the designs described herein may further be utilized to reduce or prevent extrusion of seals by creating an interference gland to reduce seal extrusion between pumping system components.

By way of example, interference glands may comprise mating surfaces which are tapered or conical in shape so that assembly or movement in one direction produces interference in another direction. Axial assembly of male and female conical surfaces, for instance, removes the radial gap between the surfaces and thus between the corresponding components. Mating surfaces also may be stepped or shouldered so that during assembly or movement, one portion causes definite contact or deformation with respect to another portion. Additionally, at least one of the interfering surfaces may feature an inner or outer recess, such as a groove, to contain the sealing element which may be formed of elastomer, polymer, graphite, metal, or composite. Similarly, the two parts sealed with respect to each other may feature integral interfering surfaces that mate with each other.

Other options for providing an interference gland 160 and for thus improving sealing include, for example, use of a third intermediate part bridge located between the two parts being sealed with respect to each other. As illustrated in FIG. 13, for example, the interference gland 160 is in the form of a bridge disposed between adjacent pumping system components 32. In this example, the intermediate bridge 160 has interfering surfaces 161 that mate with corresponding surfaces on each of the components 32 and promote long-term sealing with respect to seals 162. By way of example, the interfering surfaces 161 may be tapered surfaces. The interference gland 160 also may be formed with features integral in the base 60 or head 79. The interference gland 160 also may be in the form of an offset gland ring.

In some embodiments, the sealing may be improved by creating interference of the surfaces during assembly. The interference is designed to elastically or plastically deform at least one of the parts to conform to the other part and to remove the potential for an extrusion gap which would allow extrusion of the seal. In some applications, the pressure acting on the seal area can be used to elastically or plastically deform at least one of the parts to conform to the other part, thus removing the extrusion gap. In some embodiments, the extrusion gap may be removed by effectively creating rigid contact between two surfaces that are accurate enough, e.g. appropriately toleranced, so that deformation of components can be avoided. Additionally, various combinations of these techniques may be employed to prevent creation of an extrusion gap and to thus prevent extrusion of seals between adjacent components 32. Each of these methods for limiting or preventing extrusion of seals utilizes some type of interference gland, e.g. bridge 160, to protect and maintain the seal between pumping system components 32.

Depending on the environment and the parameters of a given application, the components of the electric submersible pumping system and the design of the connector or connectors between components can vary. For example, additional pumping system components may be incorporated into the system. Various embodiments of the connector may be used between each adjacent pair of components or between some adjacent pairs while other types of connectors are employed between other adjacent pairs. The threaded coupler and/or the shoulder ring may be formed as individual pieces or as assemblies of split pieces depending on the design of the overall connector. Additionally, a variety of individual or plural seals may be incorporated into the connector to provide the desired sealing. Various types of interference glands and techniques also may be employed to reduce or prevent extrusion of such seals. A number of alignment features, engagement features, locking features, shoulder features, and other features also may be utilized in each of the connectors to facilitate coupling of adjacent pumping system components.

Although a few embodiments of the disclosure have been described in detail above, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible without materially departing from the teachings of this disclosure. Accordingly, such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for connecting components of an electric submersible pumping system, comprising: positioning a threaded coupler over an end of a first component of an electric submersible pumping system; moving the first component and a second component of the electric submersible pumping system relative to each other in an axial direction until engaged; rotating the threaded coupler relative to the first component to engage a threaded region along a threaded end of the second component to secure engagement of the first component with the second component; and holding the threaded coupler on the end of the first component with a shoulder ring separately assembled onto the first component after positioning the threaded coupler on the end of the first component.
 2. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising providing an interference gland between the first component and the second component to reduce extrusion of a seal located between the first component and the second component.
 3. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein holding comprises attaching the shoulder ring to the first component by threaded engagement.
 4. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein holding comprises attaching the shoulder ring to the first component by a melted metal engagement technique.
 5. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein holding comprises attaching the shoulder ring to the first component by a threaded fastener.
 6. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein holding comprises attaching the shoulder ring to the first component by a retainer ring.
 7. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein holding comprises attaching the shoulder ring to the first component by an interference fit.
 8. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising holding the second component rotationally stationary with respect to the first component while rotating the threaded coupler.
 9. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising positioning a seal to block fluid flow between the first component and the second component.
 10. A method for connecting components of an electric submersible pumping system, comprising: installing a shoulder ring in a groove formed around an end of a first component of an electric submersible pumping system; attaching a coupler to the shoulder ring; moving the first component and a second component of the electric submersible pumping system relative to each other in an axial direction until engaged; and engaging the coupler with an end of the second component to secure engagement of the first component with the second component.
 11. The method as recited in claim 10, wherein engaging comprises engaging the coupler to secure engagement of the first component with the second component without relative rotation between the first component and the second component.
 12. The method as recited in claim 10, wherein engaging comprises rotating the coupler relative to the first component to engage a threaded region along the end of the second component to secure engagement of the first component with the second component.
 13. The method as recited in claim 10, wherein installing the shoulder ring comprises installing a multi-piece split shoulder ring into the groove.
 14. The method as recited in claim 10, wherein installing the shoulder ring comprises installing a single-piece expandable C-ring type shoulder ring into the groove.
 15. The method as recited in claim 10, wherein installing the shoulder ring comprises installing a continuous swaged shoulder ring.
 16. The method as recited in claim 10, wherein attaching the coupler comprises attaching the coupler to the shoulder ring by threaded engagement.
 17. The method as recited in claim 10, wherein attaching the coupler comprises attaching the coupler to the shoulder ring by a metal melting technique.
 18. A method for connecting components of an electric submersible pumping system, comprising: installing a threaded coupler around an end of a first component of an electric submersible pumping system such that the threaded coupler has externally oriented threads; holding the threaded coupler on the end of the first component with an abutment surface; moving the first component and a second component of the electric submersible pumping system relative to each other in an axial direction until engaged; and rotating the threaded coupler relative to the first component to engage a threaded region along an internally threaded end of the second component to secure engagement of the first component with the second component.
 19. The method as recited in claim 18, wherein holding comprises holding the threaded coupler with a shoulder ring having the abutment surface oriented toward the threaded coupler.
 20. The method as recited in claim 19, further comprising forming at least one of the threaded coupler and the shoulder ring as a split member to facilitate assembly. 